Gay civil unions hinge on governor

by Mark Niessen - May. 1, 2010 12:00 AMAssociated Press

HONOLULU - Whether same-sex civil unions become law in Hawaii is now up to Republican Gov. Linda Lingle, whose office was flooded Friday with phone calls and e-mails from gay-rights and religious groups after the bill won approval in the waning moments of the legislative session.

Lingle has long avoided saying whether she would veto the measure or allow it to become law. She has until July 6 to make a decision.

The governor was unavailable for comment Friday as she was scheduled to return from a trip to California, but her office reported a high volume of calls pouring in from both opponents and supporters of the legislation.

The bill was unexpectedly revived and cleared the Legislature on Thursday, the last day of this year's session.

Religious groups will lobby Lingle directly with personal messages.

Civil union backers will send letters and postcards to Lingle in addition to e-mails and phone calls.